as in to shed
to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside
a soap that promises to help me exfoliate all that dry, flaky skin I've apparently been carrying around
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Recent Examples of exfoliate
Inspired by Korean aqua peel facials, this lightweight serum gently exfoliates while flooding skin with hydration, thanks to a lineup of K-beauty favorites.
—
Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
The best way to avoid streaking is to prepare your skin before application by exfoliating and moisturizing dry spots.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Beauty editors wax lyrical about Tatcha The Texture Tonic AHA Liquid Exfoliating Treatment with exfoliating glycolic acid and soothing Japanese mugwort, and Beauty of Joseon Refreshing Toner, with glycolic acid and moisturizing glycerin.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
This is thanks to Manucurist’s nourishing formula, which includes antioxidant-rich beetroot extract, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and strengthening hexanal to prevent breakage.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
The best way to avoid streaking is to prepare your skin before application by exfoliating and moisturizing dry spots.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Beauty editors wax lyrical about Tatcha The Texture Tonic AHA Liquid Exfoliating Treatment with exfoliating glycolic acid and soothing Japanese mugwort, and Beauty of Joseon Refreshing Toner, with glycolic acid and moisturizing glycerin.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
This is thanks to Manucurist’s nourishing formula, which includes antioxidant-rich beetroot extract, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and strengthening hexanal to prevent breakage.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliate
shed
Verb
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Since taking over as Hongkong Land’s chief executive, Smith has embarked on a pivot to double down on commercial properties and fund management, while shedding its less lucrative residential businesses.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
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This deal is another sign the Mavs are moving on from the Luka trade, shedding payroll, and tanking the rest of the season to land a high pick in the 2026 NBA draft.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliate. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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